The Infertile Mafia: Real talk about infertility, IVF, and trying to conceive. - podcast cover

The Infertile Mafia: Real talk about infertility, IVF, and trying to conceive.

Being infertile sucks. Co-hosts Sarah and Kaela are your friends who get it. This is a podcast by real women sharing truths about the hardships and hilarity of infertility, IVF, and trying to conceive.
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Episodes

Acupunch Her!

Kaela and Sarah talk about something a lot of infertile people try - acupuncture! They talk about the history, philosophy, and science behind the practice and share listener experiences, including a psychic moment with an acupuncturist. They also share some rare facts about Louise Brown, the first "test tube baby" and talk about their favorite Rom Coms! Email questions, comments, and other mafia matters to infertilemafia@gmail.com Join the closed Facebook group(s): The Infertile Mafia The Infert...

Aug 17, 201858 minEp. 38

Just Deal With It

Kaela & Sarah are talking about coping with infertility triggers. They share lots of different tips and tricks from listeners of things that help them through a tough time - like listening to music, taking a walk, baking a cake, talking a hot bath, shooting a gun, cuddling a fur baby, finding an infertile friend, and pouring a glass of wine. Lots and lots of wine! They also give some opinions on the following article about PGS testing and whether or not it actually improves IVF success rates...

Aug 14, 20181 hr 12 minEp. 37

The IVF Tourist

Sarah & Kaela are talking about doing IVF abroad and seeking fertility treatments in a country other than the one you call "home." They weigh the pros and cons of IVF abroad (like if you go to Barbados, you come back with a tan) and also debunk some opinions on why IVF is so expensive in the United States. They also talk about their favorite vacation spots, wearing pajamas in the public, the mile high club, and kissing boys at the Eiffel Tower. Shout out to all our Intermational listeners! A...

Aug 10, 20181 hr 3 minEp. 36

Mafia Meet Karen - Hilariously Infertile

Kaela & Sarah are talking to Karen, the woman behind Hilariously Infertile! “Part Teacher. Part Mom. Part Wife. Fully inappropriate. Forever infertile.” In addition to her wildly popular blog and Instagram account, Karen recently published a book about the some of her hilarious experiences with infertility and she doesn’t hold anything back! Listen as this 4th grade teacher shares shares some excerpts with us about her first time with the transvaginal ultrasound wand, getting “the call” from...

Aug 07, 20181 hr 5 minEp. 35

Let's Hear It For The Boy

Sarah & Kaela are giving a shout out to the men in the infertility community. They tell you a fun history lesson on the first ever semen analysis and share listener experiences about infertility from the male perspective. Kaela’s husband, Bill, joins her again and participates in a TTC acronym quiz. And, of course, there’s an epic jerk off room story. This is a good one, you’re gonna laugh. Here's the article about three biological parents: https://www.vox.com/2018/7/24/17596354/mitochondria...

Aug 03, 201859 minEp. 34

Mafia Meet Melissa - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Kaela & Sarah are talking to someone who’s super smart, and knows stuff! They’re talking to registered dietitian Melissa Grove about fertility nutrition and lifestyles! They cover food and supplement choices as it relates to topics like MTHFR, hypothyroidism, the Keto diet, birth control, and PCOS. Lots and lots of info about PCOS! Melissa also shares some fun facts about New Hampshire, where she currently resides, and gives us insight on why she’d rather be a Gilmore Girl than a famous pop ...

Jul 31, 20181 hr 7 minEp. 33

IVF Got Questions

Know what you want to know! Sarah & Kaela are talking about all kinds of questions to ask before doing IVF. Including questions to ask your RE, questions to ask your partner, and even questions to ask yourself. They also give a big shout out to the very first IVF baby, Louise Brown, as she celebrates her 40th birthday this week! And finally, they share some of their irrational fears and phobias. Has anyone else found themselves in a bathroom covered in a mattress hiding from a tornado? Artic...

Jul 27, 20181 hr 4 minEp. 32

IVF 13.0

Kaela & Sarah are discussing the many variations and alternatives of “traditional” IVF...and there are many. Such as, GIFT, ZIFT, Natural IVF, Mini/Micro IVF, In Vitro Maturation, and INVOcell! They talk about who might be a good candidate, and why, to try a less conventional form of IVF. They expand on their affinity for the nerds in the classroom and share what they wanted to be when they grew up - there’s still time to realize their dreams (but in the meantime, they give everyone tips on ...

Jul 24, 20181 hrEp. 31

Mafia Meet Kassie Moon - Crowdfunding for IVF

Sarah & Kaela interview Kassie Moon and learn about how she crowdfunded her IVF cycle. They also discuss other ways to raise funds for IVF and share a cringe-worthy "would you rather" with Kassie! Find Kassie on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-oN3ivpFOpncNNS8XF2y3w Find Kassie on Instagram: @kassiemoon Check out Fertility IQ for a lot of great information! - https://www.fertilityiq.com/ Email questions, comments, and other mafia matters to infertilemafia@gmail.com Join the closed...

Jul 20, 201855 minEp. 30

What I Wish I'd Known

Sarah & Kaela share hindsight from listeners about what they wish they'd known or things they would do different when it comes to infertity and treatments. They cover everything from diagnostics, to uncertainty, to handling the emotional turmoil of infertility. They also share a scandolous story about artificial insemination shrouded in lies, secrecy, and chloroform! Here's the article for that salacious insemination story! https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/01/first-artificial-...

Jul 17, 20181 hr 2 minEp. 29

IVF My Life

Kaela and Sarah are finally talking about it - IVF! They give a crash course overview about what to expect in an IVF cycle and give tips on when and how to decide if it's a good decision. They also share a crazy story about a 72-year-old woman who conceived with IVF (yeah, you read that right) and they talk about some big changes happening in the Infertile Mafia Facebook group! Articles mentioned in this episode: http://www.pregonline.com/blog/how-do-you-know-when-to-move-on-to-ivf/2016/03/28/ h...

Jul 13, 20181 hrEp. 28

Your Wait Time Is Now...

Sarah & Kaela are talking about waiting. There is so...much...waiting with infertility! They share stories from listeners about roadblocks, unexpected surprises, and changes to the "plan" and give some advice and solidarity on expecting the unexpected with infertility treatments. They also talk about the original member of the infertile mafia - her name happens to be Sarah (not our Sarah, a different one, who was MUCH older). And finally, they've got an "Out of the Box" segment you do not wa...

Jul 10, 20181 hr 4 minEp. 27

Word To Your Mother

Kaela & Sarah are sharing advice, from listeners, for fertile friends and family! They share a list of five DO’S and five DON’Ts about how to support someone who is struggling with infertility. If you're listening because you want to be supportive, you're already doing something right! The infertility community thanks you in advance for loving us through such a hard time. Finally, Kaela shares a story about a very questionable childhood imaginary friend. And both ladies talk personally about...

Jul 06, 20181 hr 6 minEp. 26

The Turkey Baster Method

Sarah & Kaela are talking about IUI’s! They give you a step-by-step, and awkwardly intimate, look into what happens during an Intrauterine Insemination. They also share some interesting history on IUI and discuss pros and cons of the procedure. Finally, Kaela shares an embarrassing moment when infertility and summer collided when she decided to try out a spray tan! Email questions, comments, and other mafia matters to infertilemafia@gmail.com Join the closed Facebook group(s): The Infertile ...

Jul 03, 201859 minEp. 25

Mafia Meet Celeste

Kaela and Sarah interview YouTube sensation, Celeste, of "Tim and Celeste!" She's battled infertility for over four years with recurrent miscarriages, failed embryo transfers, and multiple misdiagnoses. After countless tests, and several different fertility specialists, she finally has a diagnosis and treatment plan that gives her hope for the future. Sarah and Kaela also get to know her better by asking questions about her life in Australia, her husband Tim, and her fur baby Cooper! Find Celest...

Jun 29, 201848 minEp. 24

Don't Send A Dick Pic

Sarah & Kaela are digging into the balls again to give you tips and advice on ways to improve sperm parameters. They also share a few things that could be damaging your sperm quality! Kaela tells you how sperm act like they’re playing rugby and Sarah tells you about an embarrassing sperm story involving her father-in-law. Also, protip guys, don’t send dick pics and keep your balls cool. Articles referenced in this episode: What Are The Best Ways To Increase Sperm Count? https://www.medicalne...

Jun 26, 201858 minEp. 23

The Fertile Infertile

Kaela & Sarah are talking to all the fertile people seeking fertility treatments. Have you ever felt like you don’t quite “fit in” with the infertility community because you’re not technically “infertile?” This episode is for you! Many people find themselves in this position for many reasons - same sex couples, bodily injury, cancer survivor, recurrent miscarriage, genetic disease, any many others. Sarah & Kaela are here to tell you you’re definitely part of the club! Email questions, co...

Jun 22, 20181 hr 5 minEp. 22

Eggs With A Side Of Pregnancy Please

Sarah & Kaela talk all about eggs this week! They discuss why eggs might be damaged and ways to make your egg quality better. Sarah talks about her favorite book: "It Starts with the Egg: How the Science of Egg Quality Can Help You Get Pregnant Naturally, Prevent Miscarriage, and Improve Your Odds in IVF" by Rebecca Fett Get your copy here: goo.gl/9RvXyV Email questions, comments, and other mafia matters to infertilemafia@gmail.com Join the closed Facebook group(s): The Infertile Mafia The I...

Jun 19, 201852 minEp. 21

Trigger Warning

Sarah & Kaela rant about infertility triggers! What is that thing that pushes you over the edge and brings you to tears, or makes you want to pull someone’s hair out, or give a well placed throat punch?! Chances are someone else has been there, too, and they’re talking about it. Consider this your deep breath for the week! Trigger warning: Watch for F bombs ahead - cause nothing brings out a potty mouth like infertility. Email questions, comments, and other mafia matters to infertilemafia@gm...

Jun 15, 20181 hr 10 minEp. 20

Unexplain This To Me

Kaela & Sarah talk about unexplained infertility, especially how it can be one of the most frustrating infertility diagnoses. They share from other listeners about what it means to have unexplained infertility and offer up some advice and tips for coping and taking next steps. They also get deeply personal discussing tattoos and piercings. Word of advice: stay out of the mall. Email questions, comments, and other mafia matters to infertilemafia@gmail.com Join the closed Facebook group(s): Th...

Jun 12, 201854 minEp. 19

Infertility In The Workplace

Sarah & Kaela are talking about what it means to go through infertility AND have a career. They share lots of experiences and advice from other listeners on how they handled infertility in the workplace and how to have that awkward conversation (or not) with your boss. They also discuss pros and cons to telling your employer, issues of bias, and being treated differently while going through treatments. And don’t forget to get in on our IVF care package giveaway! Email questions, comments, an...

Jun 08, 20181 hrEp. 18

It’s Time To Evict My Eggs

Kaela & Sarah will give you the scoop on ovulatory drugs, both oral medications and injectables. They get down to the difference between Letrozole (Femara) and Clomiphene (Clomid), how they work, and why they’re prescribed. They also give you some insight on using injectable gonadotropins (Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F, etc.) and what to expect when taking all these extra hormones. Warning: There might be rage, tears, and definitely some bloating in your future. And finally, you don’t wanna mi...

Jun 05, 201851 minEp. 17

Out Of The Infertility Closet

Sarah & Kaela talk about opening up to other people about your struggle with infertility. They give you their opinions on when to share, how much to share, and who to share with! Hint: Not that super gossipy girl at work. They also share from other Mafia members about their experiences coming out of the closet. Sharing certainly has its pros and cons and the Infertile Mafia will walk you through all of them! Kaela & Sarah also have a PSA for all women out there and share some celebrity s...

Jun 01, 20181 hr 1 minEp. 16

Oh No...I’m Still Weird

Kaela & Sarah are still gettin’ freaky. Turns out, there’s a lot of uncommon infertility diagnoses. In this episode, they hit up some more uncommon diagnoses in addition to the one’s discussed in episode 11 including blood clotting disorders (Factor V Leiden, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, MTHFR) and Autoimmune and Alloimmune diseases (Lupus, Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chron’s Disease, IBS, the list goes on and on here…). Kaela’s got one of each so she’s got a lot to say ...

May 25, 201850 minEp. 15

Oh No...I’m The Weirdo

Sarah & Kaela discuss what it means to be an infertility freak! They discuss some less common causes of infertility, and they cover the topic of genetics and share stories of listeners with “weirdo” diagnoses! Including, genetic testing during fertility treatments for patients and embryos and the difference between PGS and PGD embryonic testing. They’ll cover some rare genetic diseases and also chromosome translocation. They also give some insight about genetic causes of poor egg quality (lo...

May 25, 201851 minEp. 14

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Kaela interviews Nurse Mandy on recurrent pregnancy loss. Mandy is a Registered Nurse with Bachelor’s degrees in both Nursing and Psychology. She has worked in a pregnancy crisis center and, unfortunately, has her own personal experience with both infant loss and four consecutive pregnancy losses before giving birth to her beautiful daughter. She shares her personal experience and she also talks with Kaela about possible causes, and treatments, for recurrent pregnancy loss. A few other topics th...

May 18, 201853 minEp. 13

Endometriosis Still Sucks

Kaela & Sarah heard back from YOU and wanted to make some helpful additions and maybe a few corrections to their discussion on Endometriosis! They also share names of some celebrities who have spoken out about Endometriosis. And if you’re an animal lover, Sarah has a very funny dog story for you, too! Email questions, comments, and other mafia matters to infertilemafia@gmail.com Join the closed Facebook group(s): The Infertile Mafia The Infertile Mafia - Bosses & Babies Follow on Instagr...

May 18, 201852 minEp. 12

Bonus: Mother’s Day Is…

Mother’s Day can be ROUGH when you’re infertile. Sarah & Kaela share some thoughts, some opinions, and some general venting from Infertile Mafia members about this day! And they also share a few unique ways to get through it - basically do what you want! This day is hard, but you’re not alone. Email questions, comments, and other mafia matters to infertilemafia@gmail.com Join the closed Facebook group(s): The Infertile Mafia The Infertile Mafia - Bosses & Babies Follow on Instagram: @inf...

May 11, 201841 minEp. 11

Endometriosis Sucks

Kaela and Sarah dive into endometriosis this week and talk about symtoms and how it's diagnosed. They also tell two stories from women currently seeking treament for their severe endo. Email questions, comments, and other mafia matters to infertilemafia@gmail.com Join the closed Facebook group(s): The Infertile Mafia The Infertile Mafia - Bosses & Babies Follow on Instagram: @infertilemafiapodcast

May 11, 20181 hr 8 minEp. 10

My String of Pearls

Sarah & Kaela discuss PCOS! It’s the most common infertility diagnosis among women and Sarah knows all the ins and outs - cause she’s got it! They talk about what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and how to treat it. Did you know female superheroes probably all have PCOS? Listen to find out why! Article referenced in this episode: Benefits of exercise for women diagnosed with PCOS https://www.pcosdietsupport.com/exercise/pcos-and-exercise/ Facts about PCOS http://www.pcosnutrition.com/facts/ https...

May 04, 20181 hr 6 minEp. 9
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